Jinja Hippos edge closer to Premiership promotion
Jinja Hippos` Johnson Baiga was one of the scorers in a 37-12 win over Mbarara Mustangs.
Semi-finals
Stallions 25-21 Gulu
Hippos 37-12 Mbarara Mustang
Final August 5
Stallions vs. Hippos
KAMPALA. Jinja Hippos are a win away from playing in the Nile Special Premiership after beating Mbarara Mustang 37-12 in the playoff semifinals in Jinja on Saturday, setting up a final against Kyadondo Stallions on Friday.
After years of heartbreak, the Jinja based side want to bury the sad memories by overcoming Stallions in the playoff final, a day before Uganda host Zimbabwe in the Gold Cup final round.
“The club has suffered in the past due to a number of management issues but everything looks sorted for now and we are heading in the right direction,” Hippos coach Saidi Atibu told Daily Monitor.
Joe Andia, Johson Baiga and captain John Eceru all contributed with tries for Hippos as Maxwell Ebonga`s boot added damage in an entertaining game.
Nile RFC, as it was known as before being named Jinja Hippos, was a premiership side until 2012 when Warriors, then Summerkamp, beat them in the relegation playoff final.
Kyadondo Stallions had to dig deep for a 25-21 win over Gulu Elephants in a close encounter to join Hippos in the final.
“It was a very tough game because Gulu were in the premiership last season and they wanted to regain promotion but the boys held on as they also want to play at the top level next season,” observed Kyadondo Stallions team manager Peter Ochol.
With Toyota Buffaloes and Hima Cement Heathens already premiership sides, Stallions can become the third Kyadondo based side in the 10 team league.
